Published: November 30, 2008 11:18 pm         

Local soldier comes home from Iraq for the holiday

North Enid’s Sharon Trekell had something big to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday.

“I’m glad he made it home safe,” she said.

The “he” she was referring to is her son, James, who recently arrived home on leave from serving in Iraq with the Army.

Staff Sgt. James Trekell is currently serving on his second tour in Iraq. His first deployment to Iraq lasted from October 2005 to October 2006.

Trekell doesn’t get to be home for the holiday season each year and after six years in the Army, he has learned to appreciate his time with his family.

“It’s nice to be with the family at this time,” said Trekell. “You learn how much family is.”

Each time Trekell comes home on leave, he enjoys his time with his family but it is never easy to leave.

“It’s worse than leaving the first time,” said Trekell.

“We’re a real tight knit family,” said Trekell’s sister, Sarah. “So when one person is missing, especially at the holidays, it’s tough.”

Aside from Sharon and Sarah, Trekell has another sister, Misty, his girlfriend, Emily Thompson, and his father, Leonard, missing him while he’s away serving his country.

“I am just so proud that he can be home and proud of what he’s doing,” said Leonard Trekell. “We’re a proud family.”

Even though it is hard to be away from loved ones, Trekell loves serving in the Army.

“I wanted to go to college, but the Army kind of made me gung-ho,”said Trekell. “I like the Army. I like the discipline in it, the honor.”

Trekell will have to return to Iraq before Christmas, so he celebrated Christmas with his family on Thanksgiving Day and he was able to join his family this year for their annual tradition of attending Enid Lights Up the Plains.